Stephen Johnson of Quooker delves into how boiling water taps are helping architects design kitchens that reduce waste, conserve energy, and support sustainability for users, without compromising on style.
As sustainability becomes a central consideration in architectural design, attention is shifting beyond energy use to how buildings manage water. This is particularly relevant in the kitchen, a space where water plays a vital role in hydration, hygiene, cooking and cleaning.
We have observed a clear shift in the way homeowners and designers approach kitchen efficiency. Instant boiling water taps are no longer seen as a luxury. Increasingly, they are being specified for their ability to reduce water and energy waste, while also supporting modern design requirements.
Rethinking water use in the kitchen
Water is often used inefficiently in kitchens. Standard kettles are a prime example. They are frequently overfilled, reboiled unnecessarily, or left to cool unused. These habits may seem small, but over time they can lead to significant water and energy waste. Instant boiling water taps provide a more precise and controlled alternative.
By delivering 100°C water on demand, these taps help eliminate the guesswork and excess typically associated with kettles. This promotes more mindful use and can support the wider goals of sustainable design.
Everyday efficiencies
In a typical household, replacing a kettle with a boiling water tap can help avoid the wastage of several hundred litres of water each year. While savings vary depending on usage, the reduction in overfilled boils and discarded water becomes meaningful over time. Energy efficiency is also a core feature. Using high-vacuum insulation, the tap’s tank maintains water at boiling point using as little as 10 watts of standby power. Which is roughly equivalent to a standard Wi-Fi router and is particularly effective in homes or workplaces where boiling water is needed frequently throughout the day.
From a design perspective, boiling water taps also help to streamline the kitchen. Removing the kettle frees up valuable worktop space, which is especially useful in compact kitchens or open-plan environments. The under-sink tank fits neatly into cabinetry and does not compromise storage, making it a practical solution for contemporary layouts.
A versatile addition to sustainable design
While a single feature cannot define a ‘sustainable kitchen,’ boiling water taps can complement a broader strategy for improving water efficiency. When used alongside other elements such as low-flow taps, smart water monitoring or reuse systems, they contribute to a more balanced approach to resource conservation.
Many systems also include chilled and sparkling water options. By offering filtered alternatives directly from the tap, these features can help reduce reliance on bottled water. This supports efforts to cut down on single-use plastics and the emissions linked to bottling and transport.
Real-world application: a thoughtful retrofit
In a recent renovation of a Victorian townhouse in south London, the design team aimed to modernise the kitchen while retaining the home’s character. A boiling water tap was chosen to reduce the need for multiple appliances and to align with the client’s sustainability values. The result was a cleaner and more efficient layout that blended seamlessly with the property’s traditional features. Within the first six months of use, the household reported
clear reductions in both water and energy consumption.
Small changes, long-term value
Sustainable design is often achieved through a series of well-considered decisions. Instant boiling water taps represent one of those subtle but impactful choices. By reducing waste, conserving energy and enhancing usability, they offer a simple way to improve the kitchen’s environmental performance.
For architects seeking solutions that balance form and function, while supporting sustainability goals, this technology presents a compelling addition to the modern kitchen.
Stephen Johnson is managing director at Quooker UK & Ireland